The demolition of the 17th-century Mubarak Manzil, a Mughal heritage site, by an Agra-based builder, has sparked outrage among many, including famed India-based Scottish historian William Dalrymple.

The razing of Mubarak Manzil in Agra, in collusion with police and administrative officials, speaks volumes about the sad state of ancient monuments and archaeological sites in our country.

It has been reported that apart from Mubarak Manzil, at least three other historical sites were demolished or naturally destroyed in the past four months in Agra. These included the Shahi Hammam (1620), Zohra Bagh, and a 500-year-old Ibrahim Lodhi-era mosque.

A flabbergasted Dalrymple posted: “It's almost as if India is going out of its way to destroy its appeal as a tourist destination. Neglect your main heritage centres, allow developers to raze all its heritage properties, and then be surprised when this great country has fewer tourists than Dubai or Singapore...”

India, one of the oldest civilisations in the world, has a treasure trove of ancient heritage monuments and sites that date back centuries. These monuments stand as a testament to the architectural brilliance of their respective eras and provide a glimpse into India's rich cultural heritage.

Dalrymple is right when he says that despite having a rich cultural heritage, India is attracting fewer international tourists as the country is neglecting its heritage monuments.

We proudly showcase world-renowned monuments and sites like the Taj Mahal in Agra or, for example, Hampi in Karnataka to tourists. However, behind these few well-preserved monuments lie a slew of numerous heritage structures........

© NDTV